From cute to empress

Chapter 330: Determination to Protect Peace

The night was as cool as water, but I had no desire to sleep. After the incident with the traitor Wang, a lingering sense of unease had been lingering in my heart.

"Your Majesty, it's time for you to rest." Nanny Li came in with a bowl of calming soup and advised softly.

"Madame Li, I can't sleep." I shook my head and walked to the window, looking at the troops approaching in the distance. "Do you think peace will last forever?"

Nanny Li followed my gaze and immediately understood my thoughts. She sighed softly, "Your Majesty, you have done your best."

I knew what she said was true, but I couldn't calm down. By then, the group had arrived at the palace gate. Leading the group was the eminent monk, followed by a group of monks in plain clothes. Each of them held a ritual instrument and chanted scriptures in a low voice.

"Welcome, Master." I went out to greet him personally, my heart full of respect.

The monk smiled slightly and clasped his hands together, "Amitabha, I greet Your Majesty. I have come here to pray for your country."

I was deeply moved and immediately ordered people to arrange everything.

The next morning, the high monk led the monks in a grand prayer ceremony in the palace square. They burned incense, chanted sutras, and offered blessings in a solemn and reverent voice that resounded through the heavens. Common people also spontaneously gathered around the square, kneeling in devout prayer, imploring the gods to bless the country with prosperity and for the people to live and work in peace and contentment.

After the blessing ceremony, a middle-aged man in official uniform came forward. He was the meteorologist, and he came to report on this year's rainfall.

"Your Majesty, this year the weather is good and it will surely be a year of bumper harvest!" the meteorologist said excitedly.

His words were like a spring breeze sweeping across the land, instantly igniting everyone's hope. The people cheered and remarked on the bountiful harvest. I, too, was filled with joy. I know that a country's strength depends on its people living and working in peace and contentment, and even more so, on its economic prosperity.

As night fell, the palace was ablaze with lights. Standing by the window, I gazed at the brightly lit streets in the distance, my heart filled with emotion. After so many trials and tribulations, we have finally ushered in peace and prosperity.

"Your Majesty," Nanny Li's voice came from behind, "Look..."

I followed her gaze and saw Zhen Youcai, wearing armor and holding a bouquet of flowers, walking towards my bedroom...

"Brother Cai!" I ran over excitedly and threw myself into his arms.

"Mengmeng, I'm back." Zhen Youcai hugged me tightly, his voice low and gentle.

"I'm glad you're back, I'm glad you're back." I murmured, feeling an indescribable sense of happiness in my heart.

That night, we talked to each other from the bottom of our hearts until dawn.

Soon, we held a grand wedding within the imperial palace. Guests from all corners of the world gathered to witness the fruit of our love. I wore a magnificent phoenix robe and a heavy phoenix crown. Amidst the blessings of the crowd, I slowly approached the most important person in my life.

"Mengmeng, you look so beautiful today." Zhen Youcai took my hand and said affectionately.

"You too." I lowered my head shyly, but a happy smile was on my face.

After our wedding, we worked together to govern the country. Drawing on advanced ideas brought to us by modern society, Zhen Youcai and I formulated a series of policies that benefited people's livelihoods and development. We built water conservancy projects, developed agriculture, and encouraged commerce. The national economy boomed, and the people's living standards continued to improve.

I still remember our first incognito visit. It was a sunny afternoon. We changed into civilian clothes and walked along the bustling streets. Seeing the happy smiles on the faces of the people and hearing them sing songs praising our achievements, I felt a sense of accomplishment.

"Brother Cai, look, the people are very happy!" I said happily, pointing to a little girl playing in the distance.

"Yes, all this is the result of our hard work." Zhen Youcai gently put his arm around my shoulders, a pleased smile on his face.

Today, the country is enjoying peace and prosperity, and everything seems to be moving in the right direction.

In the evening, Zhen Youcai and I walked hand in hand in the Imperial Garden. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on us, making our figures look particularly slender.

"Brother Cai, you say..." I stopped, looked up at him, and hesitated to speak.

"What's wrong?" Zhen Youcai looked at me puzzled.

I looked at the gradually darkening sky in the distance, and a sudden feeling of unease welled up in my heart...